Pentax OptioS30

Pentax has recently announced the OptioS30. Featuring a 3.2 effective
megapixel CCD, a lens offering 3X optical zooming and with an attractive,
hairline-textured aluminum exterior, it's also strikingly stylish. All
buttons and controls have been located within easy reach from a ready-to-shoot
position. The shutter release button has been enlarged for swift access,
and buttons on the back of the camera have also been made bigger for easier
control.

Press Release:

The OptioS30 - The ultra-compact digital with performance that's a class
above.

A compact digital camera that places the key emphasis on cost performance,
PENTAX announces the OptioS30. Easy to handle for stress-free shooting,
it makes it easy to enjoy quality digital photography anywhere, at any
time. With a truly user-friendly design, it makes shooting in diverse
situations a breeze. And with an attractive, hairline-textured aluminum
exterior, it's also strikingly stylish.
The OptioS30 is surprisingly capable too. It features an array of easy-to-operate
functions that assist in making sure the end results live up to expectations,
is empowered with 3.2 effective megapixels, and also features a lens offering
3X optical zooming versatility that can be combined with 2.6X digital
zoom for total 8X (approx.) zooming freedom.

Major features

Ultra-compact, sophisticated design

The unique PENTAX Sliding Lens system contributes to the exceptionally
compact dimensions.

For convenience, the OptioS30 is also compatible with two AA batteries.

It has attractive aluminum exterior with vertical and horizontal hairline
engravings.
Super compact, super convenient, it slips easily into a pocket or bag,
to go wherever you do.

3.2 effective megapixel clarity

For images ranging from shots of colorful flowers to distant scenery,
the imaging power of 3.2 effective megapixels helps ensure excellent
clarity.

The OptioS30 also has the built-in advantages of a primary color filter
and advanced imaging technologies for further enhanced images with brighter,
more natural tones.

Ultra-compact, 3X optical zoom lens

The OptioS30 incorporates an smc PENTAX lens - one of a series renowned
for their sheer superior quality.

Comprised of 5 groups of 6 elements crafted entirely from glass and
featuring two lenses crafted to be aspherical on each side, it offers
3X optical zoom capability (a focal range covering angles of view equivalent
to those of a 38-114mm lens in 35mm format).
3X optical zoom can also be combined with 2.6X (approx.) digital zoom
to offer total zooming capability of approximately 8X.

User-friendly operation

All buttons and controls have been located within easy reach from
a ready-to-shoot position.

The shutter release button has been enlarged for swift access.
Buttons on the back of the camera have also been made bigger for easier
control.
A handy mode dial is employed to allow virtually effortless selection
from the impressive array of shooting modes.

8. Program
Leaves all settings to the camera for spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities.

9. Picture
Allows the user to choose one of 10 different settings to swiftly make
the most of the situation at hand.

Help function in Auto Select mode
A useful Help function can be easily accessed when in both shooting and
playback modes.
With the press of a button, the OptioS30 activates a display of easy-to-understand
explanations for dial positions and buttons for both shooting and playback.
As a result, even the total beginner to get the hang of OptioS30 operation
in a snap.

Simple shooting with 10 Picture modes

In addition to the Portrait, Landscape, and Night scene modes placed
directly on the mode dial, the OptioS30 also offers 10 picture modes.

All you have to do is just select the icon most appropriate for the
scene, compose, then shoot.

1. Flower
Designed to bring out the vivid colors and intricate details of flowers.

2. Self-portrait
Delivers sharp results and flattering tones whenever you need to turn
the camera around to take a shot of yourself.

3. Surf
Solves the common problems with reflections of light off water for pleasing,
appropriate exposure throughout the frame.

9. Landscape Portrait
Clearly captures portraits along with the expansive scenery of the background.

10. Marine
Makes it easy to capture natural colors when shooting underwater. Soundless
movies can also be shot underwater too.
* When the OptioS30 is housed within an optionally available waterproof
case.

Digital effect modes

Without the need for a PC, the OptioS30 opens up a range of creative
possibilities with a choice of 8 digital filters as well as, Panorama
Assist, and 2 in 1 digital functions.

8 digital filters

B&W, sepia, red, green, blue, B&W with red, B&W with green,
and B&W with blue digital filters let the user emphasize key colors
of the original scene or add an entirely different mood.

2 in 1

Allows two different images to be recorded side by side in a single frame.

Panorama Assist

Following the camera's simple guidance, take a series of horizontal or
vertical shots.
These can then easily be aligned and combined on a PC using the software
provided to create one large image that captures expansive scenes in their
entirety.

12 digital filters for shot images

The user can apply different moods to images that have been already shot
using 12 filters (B&W, sepia, red, green, blue, B&W with red,
B&W with green, B&W with blue, Soft, and 3 types of illustration
effects).

Menu text information enlargement

The menu display can be easily enlarged with a press of the zoom button.

PictBridge compatibility

The OptioS30 supports PictBridge, a new direct-print standard released
by the CIPA (Camera and Imaging Products Association). With this advantage,
the OptioS30 can be connected directly to a printer that supports PictBridge
via USB cable to offer control over printing, resizing, digital filters,
and other functions - all without the need for a PC.

Other helpful features

USB mass storage class compatibility

Useful software included (a CD-ROM that features the ACDSee for PENTAX
application)

Built-in auto flash

Convenient LCD monitor

Optical viewfinder

Nine-image and Zoom display

Convenient self-timer

Two optional remote control units

Continuous shooting

Macro mode and Infinity-landscape mode

Manual focus

Options for autofocus (spot & 5-point AF)

White balance settings

Histogram display

3 choices for metering

Sensitivity settings

Exposure compensation

Settings for sharpness, saturation, and contrast

Image protection

Mode memory function

World time function

DPOF compatibility

Approximately 11MB of built-in memory

SD memory card compatibility

Resize function

Voice memo function

Customization

AV (video/audio) output terminal

Various power sources including common AA batteries

Operation in 9 languages

Optional accessories

AC adapter

Waterproof case (O-WP3) for shots underwater at depths of up to 40m
(equivalent to JIS Class 8)